I would like to ask my fellow bandster, when you do go to a restaurant, what would you order? It takes me now a long time to review the menu, you want to make a sound choice when ordering food, knowing you can only eat so much. I haven't learned how to eat salad, the last time I ate one was 8 months ago, and I balled over, the lettuce got stuck in my stomach and it was so painful, ever since, I never ever wanted to eat lettuce again. So far, am good with soups, but is that all I will ever eat in a restaurant???:biggrin:

Jennifer,

Trigger foods, for me, are foods I simply cannot eat in moderation. Ice cream is one - I can't just get a small bowl, I usually get a big bowl, and then go back for seconds. Lays potato chips and any kind of Cheetos are another, and anything with chocolate on or in them. One bite and next thing I know the bag is empty. French fries used to be one, but the lap band took care of that haha!

It sounds like I "should" just be able to "control" myself, but I admit freely that I'm a compulsive overeater and a food addict. It's humbling and humiliating and downright horrifying to admit that I don't have control over that part of my life. It's kind of like alcoholism in that manner - once I take the first bite, the compulsion takes over. And it may just take over for the whole weekend! And the most insidious part of it is.....I usually don't realize what I'm doing. I get THAT unconcious about it.

I also have to avoid eating and reading at the same time. I hate that.

Hope that makes sense!

Hugs!

Donna

Donna-

I think we bandster do have that "day" I am usually good for a month of not craving for anything, however when I crave, I really get down dirty!!! Ok people, no sneering and no commenting on what I am about to type next. I usually crave for Regular Coke and Cheesy stuff life chips. (I don't know why, but chips seem to go down really smoothly!!!) Coke however has the reverse effects- It goes up really fast!!! But thats just it, I think we are allowed to cave in once in a while for our cravings- even real people have cravings and they are allowed to eat their "humble pie" once in a while.

what you think?

Lani

I fries??? only 3 pieces, MAX!!!

How do you FEEL when you know you've reached the MAX? A full sensation, pain, etc?

You all are so great - you keep me honest and on-track!!! You are so right about just staying away from McD and about the creamy soups. Much as I love Lobster Bisque, it is definitely not a regular part of my food plan. I just have to face the fact that there are some things I just can't have, no matter how much I'm going to miss them, and that IS THE BEST THING EVER BECAUSE THAT'S HOW I'M GOING TO GET SKINNY!!!!!! (And I AM going to get skinny!)

HUGS!!!!

Donna

I don't order an appetizer because most of the time they are fried and high in calories. I don't waste the space in my pouch on salad either. I generally go for a Protein based meal. Usually a filet mignon, or some kind of fish. I always wind up bringing stuff home. I ask for extra veggies and no potato or rice.

Went out the other night and had a cup of Onion Soup and a small portion of Fried Calamari. Only ate about half of the Calamari, and took it home and ate it the next day.

The old me would have had the bowl of soup, a full serving of the Calamari and an entree.

How do you FEEL when you know you've reached the MAX? A full sensation, pain, etc?

I start burping, hiccuping, general discomfort!

How do you FEEL when you know you've reached the MAX? A full sensation, pain, etc?

you feel something stuck somewhere in your esophagus!!! you don't know whether to drink or chuck it up!!! I usually toss it up! Relief is faster that way.

Savedbygrace,

You should feel comfortably sated when you are "full". Eat slowly, chew well, wait until one bite gets to your tummy/pouch before deciding to take another bite. You don't want to abuse your pouch by overeating, you could really hurt yourself - stretch your pouch, loosen or slip your band. Your body will definitely tell you when it's had Too Much, or when you've eaten something that you just can't handle - up up and out!

I have dinner with a friend every Monday (she cooks great Filipino food!), and she would "joke" about how her cooking always made me sick! In the beginning days before I learned to slow down and chew chew chew, I'd invariable end up regurgiating into her trash can or sink. One day, I saw her two-year-old daughter spitting into the trash can, because she had learned it from me!

A big downer for me was learning that I just can NOT eat eggrolls/lumpia any more. Talk about a bellyache and a half! Oh well, I was trying to cut down on the fried food anyway, eh? :cry_smile:

Hugs,

Donna